For 20 years, I was married to someone who struggled with depression, despite years of therapy and in-patient care at psychiatric hospitals. At one point … Read more
The Return-to-Work Paradox
Now that all U.S. adults are eligible for Covid-19 vaccination and herd immunity seems within reach, it’s tempting to imagine getting back to normal. In … Read more
4 Ways to Improve Cross-Functional Communication
The weather forecaster issues a tornado warning, so you get out your new flashlight to make sure it’s working in case the electricity goes out. It’s not. … Read more
When You Need to Change Your Culture ASAP
Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but sometimes you really need it to. It’s a tricky time for organizations and their employees. An ever-faster … Read more
If HR Execs Want More Power, They Should Change The Way They Talk
For decades, HR conferences have conducted sessions on “getting a seat at the table” or “how HR can get more power and influence.” … Read more
When Empathy Is Bad for Business
If you’ve ever watched TV coverage after a crazed killer has gunned down innocent victims in a shooting rampage and felt your own muscles tighten as … Read more
How to Stop a Micromanaging Boss
Maybe you haven’t worked for micromanaging bosses, but no doubt you’ve heard about them. Employees buzz about these bosses over lunch, complain about them … Read more
8 Communication Habits to Make You a Better Leader
Editor’s note: I’d like to welcome back Dianna Booher as she revives the “HR Communication Corner” column. Though she had bid the … Read more
Your Organization’s Values Might Be Useless
Just hours after we watched his inauguration, President Joe Biden officiated at a virtual swearing-in of nearly 1,000 presidential appointees. During the … Read more
Coaching With Feedback That Actually Works
Ask any manager what they dislike most about their job, and they’ll respond quickly with something like: “Giving negative feedback” or “Coaching poor … Read more
HR Famous: Netflix Inclusion Report & Hirevue Drops Facial Recognition
On episode 50 of The HR Famous Podcast, long-time HR leaders (and friends) Tim Sackett, Kris Dunn, and Jessica Lee come together once again to discuss … Read more
Defensiveness Is Derailing Efforts to Fix Workplace Discrimination
There’s evidence aplenty of workplace discrimination, from microaggressions to firings (e.g., Google’s dismissing Timnit Gebru, one of their most prominent … Read more
Top 21 Communication Tips for 2021
Nobody decides to be a poor communicator. They become ineffective through neglect. Instead of mindful, intentional communication, they adopt clichés and … Read more
21 Talent Pros Weigh in on the Capitol Attack
Yesterday, the Capitol was attacked by a mob of terrorists. Democracy was threatened as never before in modern U.S. history. To run an article about … Read more
How Language Makes You Likable — or Not!
Following the recent Supreme Court justice confirmation hearings and the presidential and vice presidential debates, you heard the pundits, as well as … Read more
Start With a Joke — or Maybe Not!
The standard line among professional speakers about the importance of humor, even in serious business or technical presentations, goes like this: Question: … Read more
Say What You Have to Say, Don’t Read Your Script
We’ve just come through a political season where we heard (or saw?) speakers reading their scripts — during the conventions, during Supreme Court … Read more
5 Leadership Communication Habits That Destroy Unity
Cyberbullying has received increased attention during the last few years, focusing primarily on children and teens. But adults can be bullying victims as … Read more
4 Communication Lessons From Leaders Who Fail
Many so-called experts today talk about leadership but have never led anything more complex than a high-school marching band. They offer principles as if … Read more
Getting a Grip on Common Grammar Errors
HR often plays the parental role within an organization, particularly in sensitive or crisis situations like mergers, natural disasters, layoffs, or … Read more